Broccoli, cauliflower and pasta cheese

So although I am now less than 6 weeks from my due date the main thing that’s clouding my mind isn’t packing my hospital bag, nor is it making sure we buy some blackout blinds for our summer baby’s room. The name thing still isn’t completely decided upon and yet it’s not pressing heavily. You know what is? My weight.

Oh I am so embarrassed to admit it. That I am so superficial as to be worrying about how large I am and more to the point, how I might not be this large in future. I have never lost baby weight ‘naturally’ and have to admit to finding the prospect of not being able to hide my large hips behind a bump rather scary. I don’t like being really big. Controversial? Maybe. I just feel happier in general when my clothes fit well and I don’t feel a shockwave when I catch sight of myself in a shop window.

I’ve mainly gone for low carb diets in the past to lose baby weight but the thought makes me sigh and want to immediately bake up a storm of biscuits coated in sugary icing. I feel less energy for it this time. Maybe that will change. I’ve thought about the 5:2 diet – could I handle that? Not sure I could with 3 kids. Being hungry isn’t something I relish. Years ago after a final year at university indulging a *little* too much I loosely followed slimming world and found that worked well. But I was 22, not 34. Would it work again? Help!

Here’s a pasta dish that is a real favourite in our house. I am not sure it will help me lose baby weight (well not in the portions I serve it) but for me it really is the taste of comfort and home.

Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, but 5 minutes before the end of the cooking time add the cauliflower, then 3 minutes before the end add the broccoli.

Meanwhile, heat the oil and butter in a large pan and fry the onion over a low heat, until just softened but not browned, about 4 minutes. Once the pasta, cauliflower and broccoli are cooked through, drain and pour into a large ovenproof dish. Add the cheese and crème fraiche to the pan of onions. Without turning the heat up, stir until all the cheese has melted. Pour over the pasta mixture evenly then sprinkle with black pepper. At this point I admit to adding some ham but feel free to leave this out. Either serve immediately or crisp in the oven for 10 minutes at 190C/gas mark 5.

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10 comments

I had my second one 8 months ago and I’ve still got a stone to shift. I’m doing it with Weight Watchers but my will power is not strong. Too many sleepless nights recently and chocolate to compensate but I’ll get there eventually. I lost it all after the first one eventually. (I’m 42 by the way if you think age makes a difference)

I had my second baby 3 months ago and am slowly losing the weight with healthy eating and portion control. I’ve done a tonne of diets myself in the past (low carb too!) but this time I wanted to eat the same things as the rest of my family. Its working, albeit slowly!

Hi Ciara, I feel the same. Now I have two little boys watching what I eat I need to ensure they don’t see any faddy eating. Luckily my appetite is getting smaller in these last few weeks as my stomach gets more squashed so that should help! Xx
Holly

I have ten weeks left on my first pregnancy and my mind has already been turning to how i’m going to lose weight! I too have done low carb in the past to shift the pounds, but i’m wondering if i’ll have enough energy to do that while looking after a new born! I share your concerns!

Samantha, I found after first pregnancy the weight came off quickly with low carb – within 2 months! A lot of it is water retention, you’ll be surprised how much you lose within a week. I was! Good luck and enjoy the last few weeks of your first pregnancy – loads of rest and nesting! Xx
Holly

Holly, definitely consider slimming world, sounds like what you’ll be after. Certainly suits me, carb me up baby! Pasta is the harassed mum’s friend in this house and somehow provided I am scoffing the veggies and limiting the chocolate and the wine (always a catch ;-) the baby weight is dropping nicely! Plus my two little girls have no idea mummy is on a ‘diet’. I seem to eat loads! Good luck with it all xx

That’s how I felt the first time I did it – couldn’t believe how much weight I lost and how much good I ate! Let’s hope I can stay on the wagon! Xx
Holly

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Holly Bell

I’m a mum of 3 boys, a cookbook writer and also a finalist on the 2011 Great British Bake Off.
I’ve decided to record the recipes I use, partly to save them somewhere and partly in case someone else might like to use them...
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